Crossrail Installs New Overhead Catenary System

New images released by Crossrail reveal further tunnel fit-out progress as work continues under London to install the overhead catenary system.

A dedicated team of engineers is working around the clock to install the 2 x 25kV overhead traction power system.

Each Elizabeth line train will draw power in the tunnels from the rigid overhead catenary system’s aluminium alloy conductor bar which houses copper contact wire. These bars are currently being installed in 10 metre sections.

The main power supply in the tunnels under central London will come from two new bulk supply points and their associated autotransformer feeder stations which are being built at each end of the new railway along with autotransformer sites in east and southeast London.

Over 1,500km of cable is being used to supply power, lighting and ventilation systems to the new railway.